These days most of us encounter medieval icons only in museums, where they hang flat on the walls like any other paintings. But as depictions of divine persons and events intended for religious settings, icons originally had much richer lives. This talk explores the "animation" of icons in medieval Europe, from the people depicted, to their dynamic presentation in churches and processions, to icons that literally came to life, weeping, bleeding, speaking, and moving.

Dr Perchuk teaches ancient and medieval art at the California State University, Channel Islands. A specialist on the art of medieval Italy, she speaks nationally and internationally about manuscripts, painting, and architecture.